Halifax Regional Police spokesperson Theresa Rath said an autopsy confirmed Sudds was the victim of a shooting, though she wouldn’t say where he was shot, or how many times.

“That’s considered holdback evidence,” she said.

Rath said Sudds was seen in Halifax around 4 p.m. Thursday and spoke with family members in the early evening. She said investigators are asking for help tracing Sudds’ movement after that.

“It was very unusual for him not to be in contact with his family, so we’re in need of public assistance in determining where he was and whom he was with between Thursday evening and Monday when his body was found,” she said, adding police are still working to determine when and where Sudds died.

Rath said some members of the public have come forward with information about activity seen near the park on Monday, and investigators are trying to determine whether it’s related to the homicide.

Sudds was known to police, but Rath wouldn’t confirm online postings suggesting he was a member of the violent Spryfield M.O.B. gang.

Rath said it’s too early to say whether Sudds’ killing was random or targeted.

“Mr. Sudds was known to police, so we will be taking that into account as our investigation progresses,” she said.

The reputed head of the Spryfield M.O.B., Jimmy Melvin Jr., was released from prison in early August. Halifax police are seeking a peace bond against him.

Sudds had criminal convictions dating back to February of 2008 for drug possession and trafficking, liquor possession, breaching court conditions and uttering threats. His most recent conviction was in September, when he was fined for drug possession.

He was due to stand trial in November on weapons charges, and in April on two counts of assault.

Friends mourn Sudds’ death on Facebook

People who knew Matthew Sudds said whatever his life choices, he didn’t deserve to meet a violent end at someone else’s hand.

In posts on the Metro Halifax Facebook page, friends and apparent complete strangers leapt to the young man’s defence when someone speculated drugs were likely a factor in his murder.

“It doesn’t matter how any HUMAN BEING [sic] dies, or what they did or whatever,” posted user Libby MacKay. “The point is he passed away and it’s sad for his friends and family.”

Dozens of people posted messages of remembrance and disbelief on Sudds’ personal Facebook page, praising the young man for his loyalty as a friend.

“I guess it’s real,” wrote user Jesse Boddy. “Gonna miss you more than you will ever know big bro I love you.”

Messages to various friends and relatives seeking comment were not returned.